The Québec City Area’s Biggest Playground
Content Partner: Tourisme Jacques-Cartier
Summer’s a great time to explore the Jacques-Cartier region—a vast unspoiled wilderness just 20 minutes from town with an abundance of natural wonders and ways to enjoy them. Escape and adventure are within easy reach.
Hiking Trails of All Types and Levels
The Jacques-Cartier region has hundreds of kilometres of trails for hikers of all levels. Just take your pick!
The marshes of Marais du Nord are a great introduction to wetland habitat and the birds and plants that live there. Trails there are tailor‑made for families with young children, as are the special activities. Check out the geocaching and test your knowledge of wetland environments.
Experienced hikers will want to tackle Le Montagnard National Trail between Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval and Lac-Beauport. It’s free and has 10 km (6 mi.) and 18 km (11 mi.) route options for great views of the Montmorency Valley and even Québec City on a clear day.
Jacques Cartier Valley National Park and Station Duchesnay are both part of the SÉPAQ system (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec) and have trails for everyone, from beginner level to advanced. The two parks are a study in contrasts: Jacques Cartier centres on a sprawling glacier-carved valley while Duchesnay is all forests and lakes. Both are magnificent—the kind of places hikers dream of.
Bike Paths for Everyone
Empire 47 in Lac-Delage can get you started in mountain biking. Their extensive bike rental fleet and private and semi-private courses get you all set to tackle the local mountains.
Sentiers du Moulin has 35 km (22 mi.) of trails, including four Enduro and 8 cross-country trails, from beginner to expert level. Bike rentals are available as well.
Vélopiste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf is a 68 km (42 mi.) rails-to-trail stone-dust bike trail. There’s a bike shuttle departing from Québec City that goes to the opposite end of the trail at Rivière-à-Pierre for a ride back through a land of lakes, rivers, and mountains.
Dream Cabin Weekends
Share a cabin with family or friends and get more time to explore the Jacques-Cartier region!
Les Chalets Alpins and Hébergement Stoneham have spacious deluxe cabins with views of Stoneham Mountain. They also put you within hailing distance of Jacques-Cartier National Park.
Check out Au Chant De La Rivière’s private rustic cabins in the woods that include the use of hot tubs, the indoor pool, and a games room. Close to Valcartier Vacation Village so you can slip in a day (at least!) at the waterpark.
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